Trial Attorney (Environmental Torts Litigation)

The Environmental Torts Litigation Section is responsible for the defense of the United States in toxic tort litigation seeking monetary judgments for personal injuries and property damages. Other responsibilities of the Section include representing the United States in certain appellate matters, participating in the administrative claims procedures mandated by the FTCA, and conducting training and educational programs for Federal employees.

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), be a U.S. citizen, and possess at least 1 year post J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience. The minimum years of post-law degree experience commensurate with the grade level of eligibility is shown below. Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee the applicant will be selected at that grade level. For the GS-13 - you must have a minimum of 1.5 years post-JD legal experience For the GS-14 - you must have a minimum of 2.5 years post-JD legal experience For the GS-15 - you must have a minimum of 4 years post-JD legal experience Examples of the experience described above include: independently performing legal analysis; composing pleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique and/or difficult legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; conducting highly complex civil or criminal litigation; and leading paralegals and support staff. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Preferred Qualifications: Applicants should also have excellent academic credentials and outstanding advocacy and legal writing skills. Experience arguing motions, handling discovery, developing expert witness testimony, trying cases, and a federal judicial clerkship are highly desirable. Trial Period Statement As a condition of employment for accepting this position in accordance with section 11.5 of Executive Order 14284, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.